News stories by Hilmi Toros

Success in fighting violence against women may well hinge on partnership with an often overlooked but still a critically vital party - men themselves.

On his first visit to a Muslim country this week, U.S. President Barack Obama proposed 'a new chapter' in U.S. engagement with the Islamic world. He drew much praise, while some remain skeptical.

Turkey's ruling party won the local elections last week, but the reduced majority comes as indicator that its popularity may be in decline.

The fifth World Water Forum (WWF) held in Istanbul ended Sunday with wide- ranging differences among governments and groups with an interest in water.

Several civil society organisations are planning anti-corruption drives to combat the wheeling-dealing considered a major factor in the world water crisis.

The Fifth World Water Forum begins in Istanbul Mar. 16 in the face of some stark facts: of the world's water, 97.5 percent is the sea, and of the remaining, 70 percent is frozen in polar icecaps. That leaves precious little for 6.76 billion people around the world, expected to grow to 9 billion by 2050.

As it aspires for full European Union membership, Turkey is still struggling with freedom of expression, raising questions whether it can ever join the EU or will simply remain a suspended bridge between East and West.

In widespread sweeps, dozens of prominent personalities have been detained in Turkey -- among them retired generals, active officers, academics and journalists -- on suspicion of attempting to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government.